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EDF inaugurates CEME 1, Chile’s largest solar power plant

EDF and Generadora Metropolitana launch CEME 1, a 480 MW solar power plant in the Atacama desert, to supply 500,000 homes.

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Centrale solaire CEME 1

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EDF, in partnership with Generadora Metropolitana, has inaugurated CEME 1, Chile’s largest solar power plant, located near Maria Elena in the Atacama Desert. The 480MW facility covers 435 hectares and includes 882,000 solar panels. The plant is designed to supply energy to 500,000 homes and reduce CO2 emissions by 280,000 tonnes a year. As a result, EDF is stepping up its investment in this area, as illustrated by the Ottmarsheim solar power plant project.

Technology and efficiency

CEME 1 incorporates several technological innovations, including a fixed structure with modules facing east and west, optimizing the capture of solar energy from EDF’s new structure. Panel cleaning is automated, reducing water consumption by up to 90%. These innovations increase the efficiency of solar energy production.
Generadora Metropolitana is also developing a 1,200 MWh energy storage project to improve the constancy and reliability of energy supply, by increasing the plant’s efficiency.

Strategy and Investments

The development of CEME 1 is part of EDF’s strategy to strengthen its presence in the renewable energy sector in Chile. The Group already has an installed capacity of 770 MW in the country, with additional projects underway to increase this capacity.
The collaboration with AME within Generadora Metropolitana demonstrates the importance of strategic partnerships for the development of large-scale energy projects. This cooperation makes it possible to mobilize resources and skills for ambitious projects such as CEME 1.

Economic impact

The inauguration of CEME 1 represents a milestone in the development of Chile’s energy infrastructure. This solar power plant will help to diversify the country’s energy sources and boost energy security. Investment in this project also stimulates the local economy, creating jobs and opportunities for local businesses.
The installation of 1,200 MWh of energy storage batteries by Generadora Metropolitana is helping to stabilize the supply of renewable energy, meeting the country’s growing demand for electricity.

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